Happy New Year, everyone! We rang in the new year by watching the final episodes of season 2 of Downton Abbey and are anxiously awaiting its return to PBS on Sunday. My husband actually got hooked on it and watched both seasons with me. I still can't believe that I got to meet and hug the waist of the dashing Matthew Crowley! I cried again when he proposed at the end of last season. I just have to post the picture one more time. :)
Both my husband and I are starting out the new year not feeling too good. Bummer! I have so much I'd like to be doing but I'm laying low - my cold has now turned into a pounding sinus headache. Makes me really thankful for all the days I feel great!
Yesterday I barely moved all day and took the opportunity to try something new! I turned my December blog posts into a hardcover book using Blurb. It ended up being 60 pages with 350+ photos. It "slurps" up the blog posts and arranges them in the book - I had to then go through and rearrange things so that there was only one entry per page and choose the layouts for the photos. I'll let you know how I like it when I receive it (supposedly by January 15.) Here's a little preview of it...
Thinking of the year ahead... does anyone feel like I do - I like even number years better than odd numbered years. Just the sound of it. Hmmm... strange I know. I don't know much of what this year holds, but I am so glad I know WHO holds the future!
I've got several personal and professional goals this year and will take some time today to write them down. For one, I'd like to upgrade to a real website - looking for the right person to design it. I'd like to have a travel website where I would be able to share travel information and have sponsors. I'd like to self-publish (or publish with someone else) travel guides to the cities I frequent most (Paris, London, New York.) I'd like to take more time to "play" - just create for the sake of creating rather than for a class. I'd like to learn something new and outside my comfort zone to bring to my students.
I have the usual physical goals - eat better, lose a few pounds, move more; spiritually, I'd like to find a Bible study I could do on my own - I can't commit to attending one with my travel schedule, grow closer to God, pray more, and so on; and the list goes on and on...
Have you chosen a word for the new year? My word for 2012 was "light." This year I haven't narrowed it down to one word yet. The words that keep coming to mind are appreciation, grace, and purpose. Have you chosen a word for the year yet?
God bless you today!
Happy New Year! I've been pondering my word for the year and think I've settled on action.
So often I say I will do something, but fail to move forward beyond talk (such as lose weight, exercise, volunteer more, be more gentle with others and myself).
This year, I intend to get off my duff and do what I say I want to do. I know it won't all happen over night. But one small action each day towards my goals will get me there.
Hope you feel better and here's to an amazing year!
Posted by: Kathy K | January 01, 2013 at 10:42 AM
I really like that blurb book. I'm thinking that a book on that order might be good for my Project Life instead of doing it the other way. But I already have some things done for this year so will work on how to go about it for next year. Instead of doing two pages for a week I just do the highlights of the week on one page.
Like you I am so glad that I know WHO holds tomorrow. I'm praying 2013 will be a better year for us. Especially less doctor appointments, medical bills, and other bills.
I like the sounds of your goals. I have two---get out of debt and finish losing my weight.
My word for this year is disciple. At church we are being encouraged to become a better disciple of Jesus and to disciple others. I really want to do that this year.
Can't wait to see what God does this year for all of us. Love you. Blessings.
Posted by: Deb J | January 01, 2013 at 10:47 AM
Kathy, I like your word and the idea of one small action at a time. It's those little things that add up something big! We've some action ahead - that's for sure!
Deb, I'm praying for a better year for you too! Your word is good too - disciple - discipline. It kind of goes with Kathy's word "action." Blessings to you too!
Posted by: Debby Schuh | January 01, 2013 at 11:18 AM
That's the same site I'm attempting to use for my cookbook!! It's super awesome and really easy to use!!!
Posted by: Alicia Schuh | January 01, 2013 at 02:08 PM
Alicia, I know - it makes me want to make all kinds of books. I can't wait to see how mine comes out... the quality of the photos, etc.
Posted by: Debby Schuh | January 01, 2013 at 02:26 PM
love the book and hope it looks lovely once it's delivered.
my word is metamorphosis. i hope to keep in mind the changes i can make each day with myself and situations around me.
debby, i would love to be added to your list for new york travel. the trip looks simply outstanding and if you have an extra spot, please let me know.
thank you and happy new year, kathy
Posted by: kathy northup | January 02, 2013 at 07:03 AM
Kathy, I've added you to the "interested" list for NYC - I send out the information in June and will make sure you receive it. I like your word - a good reminder that we can only change ourselves and not other people!
Happy new year to you too!
Posted by: Debby Schuh | January 02, 2013 at 07:11 AM
The book is so cool...just love it! Word for the year for me is 'peace', knowing the Prince of Peace, having God's peace guard my heart and mind, etc. Downton Abbey...such an addiction! Love your pic of 'Matthew'! Praying that this year will find you at peace no matter where you are or what you are doing! xo
Posted by: Joey | January 02, 2013 at 06:25 PM
Joey, peace was my word in 2011. Choosing a meaningful word like that keeps it at the front of your mind and it's fun to see God teaching it and producing it in your life. That's a good prayer! I can be at peace when I recognize who's in charge! :)
Posted by: Debby Schuh | January 02, 2013 at 06:39 PM